Austin Reaffirms U.S. Support for Ukraine During Call With Counterpart

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine as it relates to that country's ongoing conflict with Russia during a phone call with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, the Pentagon announced.

During the call, the two leaders also discussed steps allies are taking to support Ukraine, as well as the outcomes of the NATO summit that took place earlier this month in Washington, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters.

At that July 9-11 summit that recognized NATO's 75 years of strength, Austin made clear that - while the U.S. has no designs on entering the war in Ukraine - it will continue to support the country.

"We will stand by Ukraine as it fights for its sovereignty and security," Austin said during remarks July 10.

Austin also commented that day on how much NATO has grown following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

"In the wake of Putin's imperial invasion of Ukraine, we've bolstered NATO's forward defense posture with more troops at high readiness, larger exercises, sharper vigilance and multinational battle groups in eight countries," he said. "NATO is now larger than ever."

Prior to today's call, Austin and Umerov met in person earlier this month at the Pentagon to preview a new military assistance package for Ukraine valued at just north of $2.3 billion.

"Make no mistake, Ukraine is not alone," Austin said during that meeting. "The United States will never waver, and our support alongside some 50 allies and partners will continue to provide the critical capabilities that Ukraine needs to push back Russian aggression today and to deter Russian aggression tomorrow."

During today's call, Umerov also briefed Austin on the current situation in Ukraine.

"Minister Umerov provided Secretary Austin an update of dynamics on the ground in Ukraine as Ukraine's forces bravely continue to fight Russian aggression," Ryder told reporters.